Blue Jays vs Red Sox Preview: Ace Duels in Boston

Dylan Cease is Toronto's ace on the mound for this showdown at Fenway Park. The right-hander is pitching at an elite level with a sparkling 1.62 ERA and 23 strikeouts. That's the kind of stuff that shuts hitters down. Cease is the pitcher the Blue Jays lean on when they need a win. He's firing fastballs that blow past batters and mixing in nasty breaking balls. Boston's lineup will need sharp eyes and quick bats to catch up to his gas. This is a huge opportunity for Toronto to grab a road victory with their best pitcher on the bump.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is ready to return to the lineup after missing time with back tightness. The five-time All-Star is the face of the Blue Jays franchise and one of baseball's most dangerous hitters. Last season he crushed 23 home runs and drove in 84 runs while batting .292. Right now he's struggling at the plate with a .214 average. But Guerrero is a proven power hitter who can explode at any moment. Getting him back in the lineup gives Toronto's offense the boost it needs. His bat can change a game in one swing.

The Blue Jays have dropped their last two games and sit at 34-38 overall. Boston is struggling too at 29-40, and they just lost their last game. Both teams need to find their winning ways fast. Toronto's pitching staff is loaded with talent, but the offense hasn't been clicking like it should. The Red Sox are playing at home in Fenway Park, which gives them some edge. Still, Dylan Cease on the mound for Toronto makes this a winnable game. This is exactly the kind of matchup where the Blue Jays can turn things around and grab momentum.